Auto Show: The latest cool stuff will be on display at R.I.'s Northeast International Auto Show

PROVIDENCE — A full range of the latest cars and trucks will be on display at the Northeast International Auto Show in Providence next weekend. The show opens noon on Friday and runs through 6 p.m. on...

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By
Peter C.T. Elsworth
Posted Feb. 2, 2014 @ 12:01 am

PROVIDENCE — A full range of the latest cars and trucks will be on display at the Northeast International Auto Show in Providence next weekend. The show opens noon on Friday and runs through 6 p.m. on Sunday.

“There are lots of cool things,” said Lauren Holzman, vice president of public relations at Source Interlink Media, which is representing the show. She said about 300 of the latest vehicles — including the Ford Mustang, the Lincoln Navigator and luxury MKC, the Ford F-150 pickup and the Corvette Stingray — will be on display, with Porsche and Infiniti new additions this year. Other new vehicles include the Cadillac Escalade, Mazda3, Mercedes-Benz CLA250, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Silverado HD, Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid and Toyota Corolla.

The outlook for the auto industry continues to improve, said Jack Perkins, executive director of the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers Association, which is producing the show. “There’s more money available and that’s a good thing, and cars are getting older, with the average about 12 years old and people are in better shape financially,” he said. “The recession took many people out of the market (and now they’re back).”

“And I’m glad (the show) is not the same weekend as the Super Bowl,” he added. “It can kill Sunday traffic.”

Holzman said a new development was Ford joining the ride-and-drive feature, which already includes Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models. Ford models (subject to change) include the Ford Focus, Fusion, Fusion Energi, Escape, F-150 and Mustang.

“The luxury makes will be on the top floor,” she said, noting such exotics as Bentley and Maserati in “the luxury hall upstairs,” along with Porsche and Infiniti.

Perkins also cited the new technology in cars. “Technology is just huge, what the vehicles come with,” he said. “Much has to do with safety, but it’s also convenience and entertainment. This really is the computer age for cars.”

He cited such features as parking assist, rear cameras and warnings “working while you’re driving.” Other technology noted by the show’s material included inflatable rear seat belts, accident avoidance sensors and smartphone applications, including apps to “lock/unlock doors, check the tire pressure and even remotely start the vehicle.”

Others include pushbutton gear selector, hands-free power liftgate/trunk, built-in WiFi, voice recognition activation, engine stop-start systems, active suspension and inductive charging. Perkins said more and more examples of such technology were available as the costs have come down. “Compare the (dropping cost) of laptops and mobiles,” he said. “It’s the same with cars.”

Perkins also said with credit being more available he expected an increase in leasing. “Leasing is coming back because money is cheaper,” he said. “It’s a good idea if you want to avoid the repairs you can expect in later years. And you get a new car equipped with all the latest stuff.”

And he Perkins also noted that green technology was still a factor, although less prominent because of lower gas prices. “One thing that drives consumers to green tech is the price of gas,” he said.

“It’s not mainstream, but they’re out there,” he said, citing hybrids and other alternative fuel vehicles and noting that gas mileage in general was getting better every year.

The Northeast

International Auto Show is at the Rhode Island Convention Center, One Sabin St., in Providence. It is presented by the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers Association and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows.

The show runs from Friday, Feb. 7, through Sunday, Feb. 9. Times are 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Ride and Drive runs from 12 to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to register 30 to 60 minutes before closing to ensure a drive.

Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (62 and older), $6 for students (with ID) and $5 for children ages 7-12. Children 6 and younger are admitted free. On Family Day, Sunday, Feb. 9, children 12 and younger will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Advance e-tickets may also be purchased online at a savings of $2 off the regular adult admission price.

All attendees get a free, one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine.